How Stereotypes Impact Women (And Men) At Work

When we think about workplace gender issues, we usually think about issues like sexual harassment, the pay gap, and the glass ceiling. But the effects of bias spread into many aspects of everyday work, often in ways that aren’t always easy to recognize or identify. And these more subtle barriers can be just as harmful as the more overt behaviors.

Gender Stereotypes
The idea that women are not well-suited for the workplace causes two big problems.

It leads us to stereotype women, while also painting traditionally female-gendered traits such as empathy and emotional awareness in a negative light. Traits traditionally associated with male gender roles, such as dominance, assertiveness, and confidence, are also those that are considered essential for leadership positions. Because of this, women are often forced to conform to prevailing leadership styles, limiting their ability to employ traits like humility that increase workplace innovation and compel employees to go above and beyond the call of duty.

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About

Isabella Lenarduzzi has been a social entrepreneur, an expert in communication, event and conference organisation for 30 years. Her areas of interest include women empowerment, equality, education, training, entrepreneurship, innovation and EU advocacy.